Happy (ALMOST) Birthday to me...Take 3

 Picture via Chronically Vintage

Tomorrow is my birthday. I'll be 41 (going on 12). I was going to write a huge entry about life and happiness and what I had learned over the year but really, do you want to be bored to death with my philosophies on life? Instead, here are some funny facts about me.

I once took a whole jar of fireflies into the movie theater and let them go.

I told my grade school teacher that no one talked like they did in the Dick and Jane books so I refused to read that way. I got sent to the principal's office for being disrespectful.

I quit the girl scouts when they started making us eat healthy snacks.

My teenage and college years were a blur-and I would like to keep it that way

I stole a free door (this is very long and funny story, it must be told in person, over drinks)

I cry at John Denver's Annie song

I love champagne and cheeseburgers.

I make no apologies for my eating, drinking, burping or farting habits.

I've broken my ribs, both ankles, fingers and my elbow. I'm sure I've broken other things, among them, my head, which is why I can't remember what else I have broken.

I'm the funniest person I know

I love my husband and pups more than my own life. 

Everything in life should be candy colors, actually, everything in life should be candy.

I still haven't figured out my life, and I like it that way.

I'm pretty sure I've bored you to tears by now.

It's My (almost) My Birthday!

To continue with my birthday week, I thought I would give you my top ten movie picks.

1. Big Lebowski
Do I really need to tell you about this movie for the millionth time? I didn't think so.

2. O' Brother Where Art Thou?
Again, do I really need to explain this one?

3. Any Busby Berkley Movie
Dancing, corny singing and Dick Powell. Man! He was swell!

4. Roadhouse
Two words for you. Sam Elliott. Enough said.

5. The Wizard of Oz
OMP really hates when I sing the songs over and over and over again. I really want Dorothy's hair and her little dog too.

6. Office Space
If you have ever worked in a cube farm, this one is for you.

7. McClintock
I'm not gonna hit ya....

8. Any Thin Man movie
Cocktails and quick wit, it's like they are describing my life.

9. White Christmas
Bing Crosby singing White Christmas-brings me to tears every time

10. Any Frankie and Annette movie
I can't help it! I just love those silly surfing movies.

There are so many more that I could name but these are ones that are on constant rotation at my house. I know that the majority of you have seen the majority of these films so I don't have to remind you that you need to get off the computer and watch them NOW! I also strongly suggest acting out several of these movies. Sing, dance, fake surf-it will make you happy.

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

It's the beginning of my birthday week (yes, I do get a whole week) so to kick it off right, I had the pups wish me an early birthday.

Jujube put on her best party hat.

Lola baked a cake

And Pete ate it

Yep, it's a perfect kick off to the birthday week.

Some people...

Ah, the internet, what a great invention. No, I mean it. You can connect with people around the world. I have met so many wonderful people who I consider good friends. It allows you to find anything you want with just a click of a button. The downside of the internet...jerky people who hide behind a monitor and keyboard and throw insults around like they are hot potatoes.

I remember reading a post a while back from a pretty famous person in the crafting community. She reminded me that no matter what, not everyone is going to like you. They will hide, like cowards, behind their keyboard and try to strip you down to their level. If you take the chance of putting yourself out there, you run the risk of being ridiculed.

So, how do you combat all the crap thrown at you from time to time? Well....first you get mad and decide that you will take out that person and everyone close to them. After you have calmed down a bit, you realize the grand scheme of things. This is just 1 person in a world of 6,852,472,823. Even if 1,000 people were mean to you there are still 6,852,471,823 people in your corner, cheering you on and that is a lot of pom poms being thrown your way! 

Sure, there will be people who try to bring you down, try to keep you in the past instead of moving forward or even just be plain mean to you -but there are even more of us wanting to raise you higher, keep you moving ahead and loving you like nobody's business. 

Persons with weight of character carry, like planets, their atmospheres along with them in their orbits. 

~Thomas Hardy

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

We built this gate.

To keep this out.

As you can see, it's working well.

Feel Good Friday!

 I made it to Friday. Where's my gold star? I NEED MY GOLD STAR! Sorry, got a little carried away. While I compose myself, enjoy these fine items for Friday.

Did you know my birthday was coming up? Yep! June 16th! I'm pretty sure that this cake would be perfect for my birthday-I wonder if they can add another jack and a min pin in there and maybe a scowling OMP?

If the bakery can't make me this cake, maybe I can find someone at Cake Central.com to make it for me.

Shut the front door! This is too adorable for words!One Little Red Fox makes the cutest stuff EVER! It's seriously killing me people. KILLING ME!

Speaking of cute....I really need a reminder to do my yoga in the morning.

http://beeborg.tumblr.com/search/pony

 

I am in serious need of these altered Altoid tins. RackyRoad has awesome stuff in her shop and check out her blog too, you will see some awesome altered goodness.

Holy macaroni! What am I doing inside while the sun is shining and the dogs are chasing birds, leaves and water ripples in the pond? I hope everyone has a wonderful Friday! I just love the way my gold stars shine in the sun. 

If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.
-Katharine Hepburn

The Comforts of Home

Lately I have encountered a lot of jerks. It seems that with the nice weather they are out in full force. Rude people are just too much for me and in those cases, I tend to come home and regroup in the solitude of Casa de Pedersen aka Rancho Relaxo.

Both OMP and I have worked really hard on our house, especially our backyard. It is a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of today's world.

Although we are on a busy street and in the middle of the city, we can come outside, hear the birds singing, the water running and let the dogs play.

We put on some great music, have dinner and just relax outside. It is better than any therapy I could imagine.

My happiness and faith in humanity is once again restored...until I have to back out of my driveway tomorrow morning, but that's another post.

Tie One On Tuesday

It's getting close to the kids being out of school for the summer. What better way to keep them entertained, out of your hair and make them earn some cash for that new toy they have been screaming about than to have a lemonade stand. Now, I will fully admit that it's pretty rare I will actually drink the lemonade made by kids, but I certainly support their entrepreneurial endeavors, BUT if there ever was a case, when I would actually drink the lemonade, the recipes below would be the ones.

Basic Lemonade Recipe
1 3/4 cups white sugar
8 cups water
1 1/2 cups lemon juice (MUST BE REAL LEMON JUICE!)
In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 1 cup water. Bring to boil and stir to dissolve sugar. Allow to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until chilled. You are basically making a simple syrup for your lemonade
If you want pulp in your lemonade, remove the seeds, if not then just add the juice. In pitcher, stir together chilled syrup, lemon juice and remaining 7 cups water. 

Now that you have your basic recipe down, you can spice it up with summer fruits and flavors.


Strawberry Lemonade
Start with your basic lemonade recipe now add:
1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
In a blender, puree the pint of strawberries and add to the pitcher with the lemon juice. Stir well to combine and refrigerate until well chilled. You can decrease the cups of water and add cups of sparkling water instead, to give an extra fizz-kind of like a strawberry lemonade soda.

So, you have fancy kids who would not be caught dead making just regular lemonade, well my little Emril Lagasses, you can whip up some of Mint and Ginger Lemonade.

Mint and Ginger Lemonade
1/2 cup (packed) chopped fresh mint leaves
1/3 cup chopped fresh ginger
1/3 cup honey (you can substitute sugar or agave if you are allergic to honey)
2 cups boiling water
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 cups (about) cold water

Combine chopped mint, ginger, and honey in medium bowl. Add boiling water.
Let steep 30 minutes.
Strain into 4-cup glass measuring cup, pressing on solids to extract liquid. Add lemon juice and enough cold water to measure 4 cups total.

I think that with these wonderful recipes, your kids will corner the market, or at least the neighborhood. Hmmm...I wonder if a 5 year old can get a liquor license. What? I'm only thinking of their college fund and the money to be made...fine, just stick with the lemonade.

We Salute You

I would like to salute our men, women and animals that serve in our armed services. Thank you for your time and dedication. My father, father in law, brother and nephew all are military men. You make me very proud.

Who doesn't love a good 1940's comedy musical? Oh, you don't? Well, you will with Abbott and Costello's 1941 Buck Privates. It should be mentioned that this is a military movie but not a war movie. WWII had not broken out at the time and we were still at peace, but doesn't stop Abbott and Costello from joining the military and releasing their brand of comedy on fellow soldiers. The Andrew Sisters are singing their way through the movie with such hits as Boogie Woogie Bugle boy of Company B. I also love that the women are helping the soldiers by kissing them good-bye, giving them cigarettes and candy. I know it's not very modern woman of me, but it was so cute.

Oh Van Johnson, with your boy next door looks, your winning smile and wonderful voice, you make girls swoon. In Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo, Johnson plays a crew member of the Ruptured Duck and some say, this is his finest role. The film is based on a true story of the air raids over Tokyo and includes such wonderful actors as Robert Mitchum and Spencer Tracy. The movie is very gung-ho American but it also shows the softer side of GI's and their loved ones.

Okay, back to musicals, cause I love them and the 1940's did them so well. Four Jills in a Jeep tells us of  the true exploits of female entertainers who volunteer to go overseas to raise troop morale. Yes, the movie is very "B" and the comedy is corny but with a cast like Martha Raye, Carol Landis (who wrote the original book-you should definitely check it out) and Jimmy Dorsey, you can't go wrong.

Thanks again to our service men, women and animals who serve in our military. Your bravery and strength in times that seem to be lacking both, are well honored. I hope today you at least get to kick back and enjoy a movie or two with your BBQ, you deserve it.

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

Memorial weekend is for relaxing.


May 29th

 

So is April 13th

You better add January 2nd

Yep...relaxing...I think someone has it down to an art.

The "It's So Easy, It Should Be Illegal" Pie

This weekend is a holiday for most of us in the US. Memorial Day weekend usually is the beginning of the summer season and involves cook outs and a party or two. Well, my friends, since you said you would bring the dessert, I have the perfect pie for you and it is so easy, you should thank me now. Hell, you should probably just make me queen, erect a memorial of some sorts and declare May 28th to be Day o' Pam. Oh yeah, it's that good and that easy. I should mention that I had all of these things in my house and didn't have to go to the store, so, double win for me!

Strawberry Cheesecake Pie
8 oz of cream cheese, softened
4 cups of strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. lemon zet
2 tbsp. lemon juice (fresh if possible)
1 9 inch baked pie shell

In a bowl, combine cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, lemon zest and lemon juice. If you don't want the texture of the lemon zest, increase the lemon by a teaspoon. Beat until fluffy and smooth. Again, it will not be completely smooth if you use lemon zest.

Scrape your cream cheese mixture into you pie shell. Top with strawberries and chill for at least an hour. 2 is better but if you are really hungry or in a hurry-1 will do.

Okay....now here comes the part where you say-"Pam, you are AMAZING" and I say, "I know..."

Take chocolate syrup (you know, the kind that comes in a squeeze bottle) and drizzle over the pie. You heard me right, drizzle the chocolate over the pie. Your guest will instantly grant you sainthood with this move.

So, there you have it-the easiest "cheesecake" you will ever make. No baking, so your house doesn't get too hot in the May heat. Fairly healthy-with the strawberries and sinful enough to make you extra saucy in the eyes of your party goers. I guess you can get started on that memorial any time...and you are welcome!

PS-I couldn't wait the entire time for it to set up and decided to cut a piece and eat it now...

Feel Good Friday!

 

 found on pinterest...unknown artist, if it's you, let me know so I can give you credit.

It's Friday! Holla! Oh yeah...feeling good!


I want to live here....
This pillow is so super sweet! Check out house wren studio-you will fall in love. I promise.

Oh my! Guess who has their etsy shop set up? Who cares that there is only three things in there right now. More embroidery and vintage items are coming.

If I want to live in the wonderful embroidered pillow, I think I want to vacation over at Party Frosting. Everything they do is beyond belief uber adorable. I want them to cater my life. Do you guys think you can do that for me? Thanks! I can only pay you in kisses and hugs but I'm sure you won't mind.

Help me Rhonda...this is not Pete but man, have I seen this face before....

And there ya go! A few things to keep you occupied while I'm BBQing this weekend. I'm mean, honestly, do you expect me to entertain you the entire weekend? You do! Oh, okay, but it's only because you're so stinking cute.

Happiness is not the absence of problems but the ability to deal with them

Tie One On Tuesday

Remember how yesterday was Hug Your Cat Day? Yeah, well, how about today being Cocktails with Your Cat Day. That's right, I'm starting a new holiday.

Is your cat a little chunky around the middle? If so, this cocktail is for you!


The Fat Cat Cocktail
1 ounce  Irish cream
1/2 ounce amaretto almond liqueur
1/2 ounce banana liqueur
Ice cubes
Put two or three ice cubes in a cocktail shaker. Add all three ingredients. Shake and strain into a shot glass or serve on the rocks.

Maybe you like to swing with your hep cat, play a little jazz, it's cool daddi-o!

Hep Cat
3 ounces raspberry vodka
1/2 ounce dry vermouth
1 dash sweet vermouth
1 dash  orange liqueur
Slice of orange
Cracked ice
Fill a cocktail glass with cracked ice. Pour in all the ingredients and stir. Garnish with a slice of orange.

I really think this cocktail needs another name...the ingredients are far too yummy for the name

Cat Piss Cocktail
2 oz currant vodka
2 oz mango vodka
10 oz gingerale
Shake ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into glass.

Yahoo! What a great way to kick off International Cocktails with Your Cat Day. I'm not a psychic but I can see this becoming an a huge sensation. I'm pretty sure I can make it a paid holiday.

Hug Your Cat Day

Did you know that today is Hug Your Cat Day? Yep, it is. So, grab your fuzzy little friend, fry up some sardines and watch these purrrrrfect kitty movies.

That Darn Cat is a wonderful slapstick romp staring Hayley Mills and Dean Jones. The story involves over active imaginations, kidnapping and romance. When a kidnapped woman uses DC (Darn Cat) to send a message, his owner contacts the FBI and the fun begins (who knew kidnapping could be so much fun).

You and your kitty aren't into Disney family fun, but  are into long running musicals. Well, I've got your covered. Andrew Lloyd Weber's Cats is right up your alley. I strongly suggest giving your kitty a little bit of catnip for this one-it will help him appreciate the music and the dancing. Who knows, he might even jump on the TV and do his own little interpretive dance.

I am a HUGE fan of animation, so when I was looking for other cat movies, I couldn't resist the Coraline. Now, I know that the cat is not the main character but he does play a huge part in this delightful yet eerie tale of a little girl and sinister otherworld. It is absolutely visually stunning and the characters, even the evil ones are delightful.

Okay you hep cats, saunter on down to the video store, grab you favorite furry feline and enjoy this time together. Sure, your fuzzy buddies make act like they don't care or are completely put out by your affection, but in reality-they love you and need those hugs. Don't we all?

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

I took the week off from blogging-I missed you guys but I had to get our backyard and garden in shape....

Our dogs are definitely working dogs. They aren't the kind that just sit around while their owners slave away.


They help with yard debris

And supervise construction

Sometimes they just walk the perimeter to make sure we swept up everything...

Yep, hard working dogs...

What? It's hard being so cute.

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

This is Lola "Scrappy Dog" Pedersen approved. Here is Lola, watching herself, watching her favorite video...and the chaos ensues.

Feel Good Friday

Oh my goodness! Friday is here! Go Friday, get funky! Whoop! Whoop! What? I like Friday...

Well, will you look at that! I can actually stitch! This is the centerpiece of a project I am doing for a wonderful friend who is just too sweet for words. I'm very close to being finished.

My friend Becky told me about this blog and I'm so glad she did! It makes me so happy. Just reading it puts me in a wonderful friendly place. Dottie Angel does it all! She is just beautiful! Check out her store too!

Everyone knows that I have the biggest sweet tooth on both coast, probably in the entire world. It's like the size of Texas. Well, I just stumbled on a great website candy store that has just about everything your little heart desires. I am so excited about the retro candy section! Candy Direct.com really is the candy kingdom and I'm the pretty pretty princess sitting on a throne made of twizzlers.

Hey! If you are in the Bath area of North Carolina tomorrow-go check out my Beckys! They will be at the show, peddling their wares. They will be set up at Bathfest. Go by, tell them hi for me!


Whew! I think I'm on Friday overload! Just one final thing....Since I know you have been humming this through the whole post...here ya go.




HA HA HA! I'M EVIL!!!!!!!

Off to Join the Circus

That's it....you guys have been holding me back for too long. I'm off to join the circus....okay, maybe not join but I'm definitely gonna stitch up some circus goodness.

Winner! Winner! Chicken Dinner!

I just love saying that....

Now, on to the winner!

The WINNER is.......CRYSTAL RHEW STALEY! Right on Crystal! If you could email me you address I will get the book in the mail.

Now don't frown my wonderful friends! There will be more giveaways just around the corner! That's better! Chin up!

Buck Em'

It's no secret that I am huge fan of the rodeo. Starting in the early spring and going into fall, I can be found watching or going to rodeos. Bullriding, bronco riding and barrel racing are among my favorites.

The first movie that comes to mind when you talk about the rodeo, and bullriding in particular, is 8 Seconds. Now this film isn't gonna win any awards but it is a good little film. Luke Perry does an excellent job portraying Bullriding legend, Lane Frost (did I just use Luke Perry and excellent in the same sentence...I think I've fallen off the mechanical bull too many times). It is a very simple story of a boy with a dream. If you know the story, you know the tragedy. You will also get to see fast pace bullriding by another Rodeo legend, Ty Murray. 

Oh my goodness, Steve McQueen as a cowboy! Did I just die and go to heaven? Junior Bronner is  a wonderful film about an aging cowboy coming back home after being on the rodeo circuit for too long. He has to contend with a gold seeking father, a resigned mother and a brother who cares more for money than the land. Just when he thinks he wants to settle down, true to cowboy form, he yearns for the road and the solitude it provides.

Cowboys and mystery, right up my alley! 1951's Rodeo King and the Senorita tells the story of murder, rodeos and senoritas - how convenient! Just another Saturday night in a small western town. This wonderful "B" movie has saucy women and even saucier cowboys. It stars Rex Allen and his famous horse Koko. Rex was a singing cowboy but don't let that fool you, he means business in this rodeo masterpiece. A little trivia...he did a lot of voice overs for Disney and you can still hear his voice on many shows and rides.

Well my little bucking broncos, there ya have it. A few films to get your 8 seconds on. You'll have a romping good time watching these cowboys get bucked and it will be less painful than if you tried it yourself.